Print edition for October 19, 2001

Where I Stand -- Mike O'Callaghan: Killing one at a time: THE UNITED STATES has a job to do destroying as many terrorist cells as possible. Therefore, it's too early for me to look backward and recall some mistakes that got us to where we are today. Let's get on with the work we have started in Afghanistan and follow the al-Qaida terrorist web around the earth destroying its many cells. Then we can look back to learn some of our history to keep future generations from making the same errors.

Columnist Joe Delaney: Reynolds keeps on kicking at the Orleans: Joe Delaney; Debbie Reynolds, back in the entertainer-friendly confines of the Orleans showroom through Sunday, is a multitalented renaissance woman and a winner in every entertainment medium ... Mary Frances Reynolds was born in El Paso, Texas, on April 1, 1932 ... Her first ambition was to be a gym teacher ... The family moved to Burbank, Calif., soon after, and at age 16, she became Miss Burbank of 1948.

Columnist Muriel Stevens: National media display big appetite for Las Vegas: For many years I have been a member of the highly regarded Association of Food Journalists. Each year the AFJ sponsors an annual conference. Until last week the conference had never come to Las Vegas. The few times that I mentioned the possibility it was not taken seriously. Twenty years ago no one took dining in Las Vegas seriously. Prices were low, portions were large and that was as good as it got.

Goodman pushes message despite D.C. scare: Diana Sahagun; Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman roamed the halls of the U.S. Capitol Wednesday, even as congressional staffers waited in line to be tested for exposure to a potent form of anthrax, traces of which had been found in the building.

Anti-nuke groups make Yucca pitch: The public comment period on the proposed nuclear waste repository at Yucca Mountain ends at midnight, and a group of activists are in town to urge Department of Energy officials to dump the idea of transporting radioactive waste to Nevada.

Columnist Kate Maddox: Quasi-celebs get real at UNLV: Kate Maddox; University of Nevada, Las Vegas, was seeking celebrities who could talk issues with students for an upcoming Artemus Ham Hall lecture series, so they turned to three former MTV "Real World" housemates -- and boy did they hit the "issues" jackpot.

Local news briefs for October 19, 2001: Two more defendants in the FBI's secrets-for-sale-scandal pleaded guilty in federal court in New York this week.

Ethics panel comes under fire: Diana Sahagun; The Las Vegas Ethics Review Board, created in the 1990s to identify public officials who abuse their power, is itself coming under scrutiny for failing to make a deadline required by law.

Mayor caught in middle of House race: Erin Neff; Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman is not just the highest-profile politician in Southern Nevada, he's also the most popular.

Columnist Sal DeFilippo: Mariners' success rubbing off on Seahawks: Sal DeFilippo; I wonder if Seattle Seahawks coach Mike Holmgren took in a few baseball games this season.

Letter: Earlier plane crash resembles Sept. 11 events: Back then there had been some "talk" about a pilot suicide. The pilot's family was adamant that it could not be the case. Is there any chance that it may have been another example of a terrorist attack that was not only not completed as planned, but simply not recognized as such?

Low rates expected to prop up LV home-selling industry: Grace Leong; Real estate analysts say the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11 may have magnified a slowdown in new home sales in Las Vegas that typically starts near the holiday season. But they say low mortgage interest rates and population growth in the area have helped mitigate the decline.

This week's races: EA Sports 500

Wynn: Resort will be Le Reve: David Strow; Steve Wynn today confirmed the name of his newest resort will be "Le Reve" -- a hotel marked by another spectacular show created by the designer of Bellagio's "O" production.

Bonanza boys, Gorman girls earn shots at championships: Spencer Patterson; All games 7 p.m.

Letter: You get who you voted for: Mr. Tominsky, if a candidate tells you that he is a wolf dressed in sheep's clothing, believe him the next time. You got exactly who you voted for.

Boxing legend says he's interested in casino deals: Leonard denied rumors that he was near a deal to acquire a Las Vegas property, but said he has been approached with proposals on several occasions.

Obituaries for October 19, 2001: Deacon Carlisle Banks, 76, of Las Vegas died Tuesday in a local hospital. He was born Feb. 10, 1925, in Louisville, Ky. A resident for two years, he was a retired postal worker, World War II Navy veteran and a volunteer of Senior Friends.

Editorial: We must do better than this: Just last weekend seven of the 20 security screeners at Dulles International Airport failed to pass a written skills test conducted by the U.S. Department of Transportation's inspector general. A baggage screener is required to pass the test before he starts his new job, and must also pass it every year. This is just one airport, but it makes us wonder just how many other baggage screeners are out there who also would fail. It also is hardly reassuring that over the weekend undocumented workers were discovered screening passengers at security checkpoints at Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport, or that federal ...

Jobless rate down; post-attack numbers not in: CARSON CITY -- Unemployment in Nevada inched down to 4.7 percent with an estimated 49,700 people out of work in September -- but the figures do not take into account the economic downturn after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.

Senior accountant Swanson dies: Services for Swanson, 41, of Henderson, will be 10 a.m. Monday at St. Thomas More Catholic Community Church, 130 N. Pecos Road, Henderson.

Bye, Bye, Bye: Kirk Baird; For millions of teenage girls, it was the hottest act on the planet.

Remote casino gambling technology is advancing: David Strow; Station Casinos Inc. is preparing to roll out its remote-gambling technology at one of its seven Las Vegas casinos, possibly as soon as early 2002, a Station executive said Thursday.

Letter: Handbill pushers annoy tourist: On Friday night I left the Imperial Palace to walk over to the Bellagio, and I don't think I went four steps in a row without being accosted by one of these street hustlers. I know they have a right to do so, but do not we pedestrians also have a right of safe passage without knocking into one of them, or into another pedestrian in an effort to avoid their aggressive thrusting of unwanted material in our faces?

LV transportation operator in bankruptcy: VecTour Inc., a ground transportation company with 65 vehicles and 100 employees in Las Vegas, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in Wilmington, Del.

Wireless service devices coming to casinos: Kevin Ferguson; Vacationers lounging poolside at a resort often think the margarita they just ordered can't come soon enough.

Plan revived to buy buildings for dental school: FALLON -- A plan to buy three buildings to house a dental school at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, which appeared all but dead, has gained new life.

Editorial: People, government help laid-off workers: On Tuesday Clark County government freed up $1.6 million in federal and state grants to help pay the rent of some laid-off employees. That comes on top of the $200,000 the county earlier set aside for United Way to keep the workers from being evicted, which now has been spent. Earlier this week a state task force that oversees the distribution of funds from a national tobacco settlement sent $200,000 to the United Way to cover medical expenses of children of some unemployed workers. Gov. Kenny Guinn also waived rules to make it easier to apply for welfare, government-funded health ...

Casino operator's earnings fall: The company reported net income of $4.1 million, or 39 cents per diluted share, down from $5 million, or 46 cents per share, in the year-ago period. Revenues fell 19 percent to $8.7 million.

Health benefits extended for laid-off employees: The company will pay both the employer and employee contributions for full-time, active, permanent employees who are still out of work. Benefits extended over the two-month period include medical, basic life, dental and vision coverage, as well as counseling services. Company officials were unable to estimate the cost of the program.

'Tough ending' haunts Thomas: Steve Guiremand; WHEN: 4 p.m. Saturday

Bad to worse: Economic downturn hits homeless hard: By Timothy Pratt; The 150 homeless men, women and children who have slept on the sidewalk in front of the MASH Village shelter since September are now making their homes just across the street, in front of an auto parts store that is no longer open for business.

Private donors bail out state college: FALLON -- The proposed Nevada State College at Henderson received a major boost today with the announcement that more than half a million dollars has been raised in private funds to allow planning to continue toward opening the school next year.

West LV schools may lose assistant principals: Terry Webster; A predominately black and low-income West Las Vegas neighborhood stands to lose more assistant principal positions than any other area as the Clark County School District makes staffing changes this fall.

Newspaper, attorney settle copyright lawsuit: The attorney, Nancy Quon, paid the Sun $3,500 to settle the suit, according to settlement papers finalized this week.

Regents to host hearing on GPA boost: FALLON -- Raising the entrance requirements for freshmen at the state's two universities gained strong support from educators and administrators Thursday, but opponents of the plan say it would create an "elitist" system.

Man shot in front of store: Gabriel Alspaugh of Las Vegas apparently started to argue with a man sitting on a car in front of a store in the 3000 block of East Charleston near 30th Street at about 7:10 p.m., Metro Police said.

Kings, Lakers to meet at T&M Saturday: Victoria Sun; WHAT: Preseason NBA exhibition game

Ex-high school basketball coach Bobier dies at 71: Ed Koch and Spencer Patterson; In the early 1980s at a Southern Zone AAA boys high school basketball playoff game, Valley High coach Bill Bobier and Las Vegas High coach Sherill Stephens were in their usual stormy sideline demeanor during a nip-and-tuck battle.

Thunderbirds' LV show to aid laid-off workers: Officers and enlisted airmen for the Thunderbirds, the Air Force's aerial demonstration squadron, are happy to be performing, but they say they are especially excited about this weekend's show above a hometown crowd.

Episcopal bishop calls for renewed activism: Stacy J. Willis; Nevada's new Episcopal bishop will call for a renewed emphasis on community activism at the denomination's annual convention this weekend in Henderson.

Columnist Jeff German: Better to be aware in war on terrorism: One local businessman Joseph Teti, a 36-year-old former special forces veteran, has thrust himself into the debate.

Columnist Kate Maddox: Hazy issues shrouding Light: Kate Maddox; Grubman, as you might recall, is the uber-publicist-to-the-stars who made headlines over the summer when she allegedly gunned her Mercedes SUV and ran over a group of people outside one of Sasson's hot spots in the upscale New York vacation haunt.

Audiences are still swooning for Iglesias: Joe Delaney; Julio Iglesias's world tour is ensconced at Paris Las Vegas through Sunday. Iglesias' record and album sales were already in the top five internationally by the time he came to Las Vegas in the late '80s. Those first Caesars Palace engagements were attended by an audience that was at least 90-percent Hispanic. Today the ratio is nearly reversed.

Letter: Workers suffer, casinos profit: Seems to me that what it does show is that the casino industry does the same thing it forces its workers to do: live paycheck to paycheck, without any cushion in case even a temporary setback occurs -- and we know that's not true for those megaresorts.

Letter: Bin Laden can't hide forever: Osama bin Laden is a suspected drug dealer, a multimillionaire and the No. 1 suspect in many terrorist acts. He calls for a holy war because he believes he has the right to say to Americans, "Do as I say, think like I do, or there will be hell to pay."

Letter: It's a shame that it took a catastrophe: I could see these colors flying at half-mast during our two-week mourning period. Patriotic songs have taken over the airwaves. Fund-raising efforts for humanitarian aid are taking place on all levels nationwide. Financial donations are coming in by the millions. I see cars with their headlights beaming in mid-day as a somber reminder of the events of Sept. 11.

Columnist Susan Snyder: Coming to grips with cell-outs: Mine included.

Inclusion of disabled at Head Start school helps teach tolerance: Angela Soo; Preschool programs that allow disabled children to interact with the rest of the class provide lessons in tolerance and will gain the federal government's support, says the regional director of the Department of Health and Human Services.

Letter: Citizens must remain vigilant: If any politician or citizen says yes, I'd suggest they read or re-read the Declaration of Independence and our Constitution.

Editorial: Valley preparing for terrorist attacks: But the public should be realistic in its expectations. Even emergency managers acknowledge that it's difficult to gauge the valley's preparedness because we've never experienced terrorism before. And no matter how well a city is prepared, there is only so much that can be done in light of all the unknowns. Before Sept. 11 who could have foreseen that 19 terrorists would be able to hijack four jets and crash three of them into the World Trade Center and the Pentagon? Still, emergency preparation -- and with it trying to predict the unthinkable -- is a vital job in a ...

Symphony to tackle classics of U.S. patriotism: Kimberley McGee; The spirit of America will swell with musical selections featured in the Henderson Civic Symphony's 15th season opener, "American Overtures."

Chaparral teacher wins Milken Award: Although Litterini never expected it, her formula for success landed her the Milken Family Foundation National Educator Award of $25,000 this week.

Editorial: Oversight panel trips over itself: The complaints weren't rejected because of a finding that there was no merit to them. No, the complaints were tossed out because the Las Vegas Ethics Review Board failed to meet a new deadline requiring a hearing to be held on complaints within 30 days after they're filed. In the case of Staluppi's complaints, the 30-day deadline expired Sept. 29. Inexcusably, Earle White, the chairman of the ethics review board, failed to act in time -- especially since the city of Las Vegas' senior litigator, in an Aug. 16 briefing about the new ethics rules adopted by the City Council, ...

Letter: Patriotism used to push agenda: Well, I will emphatically state the "American Right" is doing the same thing, using the patriotic fervor stirred up by these deaths to further their agenda, beginning with attempts to erode sections of the Bill of Rights. Particularly the First and Fourth Amendments.

Columnist Jon Ralston: Democrats can throw in towel: For the second consecutive cycle, the Democrats have all but ceded the governorship to Guinn. The party has no one. If Anointer/Meddler-in-Chief Harry Reid, who doubles as the Senate majority whip, can't talk Clark County Commissioner Erin Kenny into the race, he will do what he did in the 2000 Senate race: Find some rich sucker with an ego, promise him the world (a her would be preferable but a deep-pocketed female is harder to find) and then watch him get creamed. I wonder if Ed Bernstein, sold that bill of goods last cycle and who invested seven figures in ...

Area residents urged to develop emergency plan: Individuals can best protect themselves from a terrorist attack by remaining aware of their surroundings.

Datebook: The State Parks department presents "Helen Stewart," also known as "The first lady of Las Vegas," who was the first postmaster, woman juror and charter member of the Mesquite Club. The program will be staged as a first-person presentation in period costume at noon and 2 p.m. Saturday at Spring Mountain Ranch State Park.

Student actors reviewed by peers: Daniela Mohor; Fifteen-year-old Harrison Decreny confidently walks across the stage at the Black Box Theater at the Las Vegas Academy.

Bachman glad to be back: Kirk Baird; It was 32 years ago that Randy Bachman left the Guess Who.

Columnist Sandy Thompson: Court hastily plucks child from mother: Sandy Thompson; Family Court Judge Bob Gaston also ordered her to bring the then 9-year-old girl with her to Las Vegas.

City reaches out to future voters: To help children understand the basics of city government -- who its leaders are and what its departments do -- the city of Las Vegas has launched an interactive website for children ages 4-12.

Author brings 'Paradise' to print: Kirk Baird; "Off Paradise," a recently released collection of short stories, is labeled as fiction.

How ready are we? Las Vegas' preparedness for terrorist attack tough to measure: The ability of public-safety workers and medical professionals to respond to terrorism depends on the type and magnitude of the event and severity of injuries.

'Last Castle': Behind stars and bars: Geoff Carter; Geoff Carter's movie reviews appear Fridays in the Sun and vegas.com. Reach him at geoff.carter@vegas.com.

Letter: Military seems to be doing fine: JAMES J. POUPARD

Where I Stand -- Mike O'Callaghan: Debt still owed WWII POWs: There are more than enough good reasons to believe Justice and State were taking this action to please the government of Iran. Why should we silence Americans who were abused and tortured by Iranians? Because we want Iran to join us in our war in Afghanistan isn't a good enough reason to satisfy most Americans.

Line forms in Washington for anthrax tests: Benjamin Grove; On Wednesday I joined hundreds of people from all over Capitol Hill who were taking advantage of a free screening in the Russell Senate Office Building near the U.S. Capitol.

Letter: Help the kids here at home: I would rather he asked our children to help our American children whose parents have lost their jobs because of the war on America. I can tell you from experience you cannot live on unemployment checks alone -- try paying the high power bills and paying your rent and then try buying food for your kids.

Community news briefs for October 19, 2001: The Southern Nevada Domestic Violence Task Force will hold two events this weekend at the Castaways Bowling Lanes, 2800 Fremont St., to commemorate October Domestic Violence Awareness month.

Dave's World: Kirk Baird; Bill Cosby changed Dave Chappelle's life.

Tech giant's business remains strong: And Microsoft executives delivered an optimistic outlook for the company's prospects, despite further weakening in the economy and the personal computer business in the aftermath of terrorist attacks on Sept. 11.

GES parent cites convention drop-off for decline: Viad Corp., Phoenix, reported third-quarter net income before restructuring charges and special items of $27.2 million, 31 cents a share, compared with $43.1 million, 47 cents a share, for the same period a year ago for the quarter ended Sept. 30. Quarterly revenue declined to $390 million from $429 million.

Foothill golfer cruises to 4A crown: Spencer Patterson; Two years ago, Christine Fernandez captured the 4A state golf individual title in the most dramatic fashion possible, besting her older sister in a playoff hole for the trophy.

Pilots engage in war drills: Jeffrey Libby; "Fight's on. Tape's on."

Barden to market Fitzgeralds in Chicago: CARSON CITY -- Detroit businessman Don Barden has some ideas on how to turn around the Fitzgeralds hotel-casino in downtown Las Vegas, which he purchased out of bankruptcy court.

Poet Dunbar's words, life brought to stage: Kimberley McGee; After actor Joseph Mydell folded the last delicate edges of 19th century poet Paul Laurence Dunbar's handwritten letters, he could feel the passion and power of the man behind the words.

Columnist Dean Juipe: UNLV has to be envious of Fresno: Dean Juipe; If UNLV had a sister university here on the mainland it would be Fresno State. The schools -- including their goals and resources -- are remarkably similar, and have been for years.

Columnist Steve Guiremand: Fresno State fans upset that 'Dogs failed to land Dorsey: Steve Guiremand; With his team off to an impressive 6-0 start and knocking on the door of a potential Bowl Championship Series berth, Fresno State head coach Pat Hill is a legitimate candidate for national coach of the year honors.

Columnist Jerry Fink: Time to get down with Uppity Blues Women: By Jerry Fink; Are Uppity Blues Women for real or are they a pseudo-blues, comic novelty act?

Volleyball: UNLV women romp to win over Air Force: Volleyball: UNLV women romp to win over Air Force

Ballet Theatre celebrates anniversary: It may have seemed like an impossible dream in the beginning, but Nevada Ballet Theatre has endured, and begins its 30th season Saturday at the Rio's Samba Theatre with a production of "Don Quixote."

Thursday's prep results: 4A State Tournament

FBI to pursue probe of suspicious Reno letter: Mary Manning and Jeff German; The FBI said this morning it will press ahead with an investigation into a suspicious letter sent to Microsoft in Reno even though the letter did not contain anthrax.

Ralph Siraco's selections for Saturday's races at Santa Anita: 1st Race -- Love Lane -- Irish-bred draws good post for small field in route opener, Pincay aboard Spawr trainee, need we say more? Kolob -- Draws inner spot, Solis on young Canani trainee, should get a catbird trip in this. Value Play -- Mega Gift

United talks of attacks in ad spots: Brad Foss; NEW YORK -- In its first TV advertisements since Sept. 11, United Airlines speaks openly with viewers about last month's terrorist attacks, a strategy that is receiving mixed reviews from marketing experts.

Ode to Kander & Ebb brings ray of light to dark times: Only songwriters John Kander and Fred Ebb could take the stories of a murderous chorus girl in 1920s Chicago, the rise of Nazi power in Berlin and two men jailed in a South American prison, and create a slew of brassy, energetic and uplifting songs that bring a ray of light to the worst of times.

Fugitive who attacked two officers is caught: Kim Smith; A 20-year-old Las Vegas man who fled before he could be sentenced for trying to rob two off-duty officers has been caught.

Two bills earmark money for Nevada: Benjamin Grove; WASHINGTON -- Congress this week passed the final version of two of the 13 spending bills that set budgets for the federal government. Both bills contain money for Nevada.

Director's dream comes true with 'Machinal' at UNLV: In 1927 it was the story the country couldn't get enough of: the sensational murder trial of New York socialite Ruth Snyder, who with her lover, Judd Gray, was convicted of killing her wealthy husband and then sentenced to death by electrocution.

Providian stock plunges on shakeup: SAN FRANCISCO -- Nursing a battered loan portfolio and a bruised reputation, reeling credit card giant Providian Financial Corp. announced Thursday the resignation of its chairman and outlined plans to curtail business with the risky consumers that fueled the company's rapid growth in recent years.

Saturday's horse racing entries: Post Time 12:30 p.m.

Officer cleared by use-of-force board: Keith Paul; A Metro Police sergeant was within the department's deadly force policy when he shot a man armed with a knife, a police oversight board ruled Wednesday night.

Court briefs for October 19, 2001: Chief Deputy District Attorney Christopher Laurent said that the DA's office and Metro Police hope to have the necessary paperwork done within the next 60 days.

Yellowjackets head jazz fest lineup: Yellowjackets' bassist Jimmy Haslip has performed in Las Vegas dozens of times in the past 22 years, and he always gets jazzed up about the place.